[0001] Methods and apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to an access
point and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an access point connected
to another access point and an external electronic apparatus, and a control method
thereof.
[0002] Due to the recent rapid development of wireless network technologies, it has become
possible to connect numerous wireless apparatuses to an internet network through access
points (APs). As various kinds of wireless devices become widespread and wireless
functions are added to conventional electronic devices, a plurality of accesses points
are being used.
[0003] When using a plurality of access points, the plurality of access points may each
construct an independent sub net or form a single network according to the connecting
method.
[0004] FIG. 1A is a view illustrating a case in which each access point constructs an independent
sub net.
[0005] According to FIG. 1A, access points 1 and 2 are both connected to the (Internet through
a WAN (wide area network) Port. An access point may have a WAN Port or LAN (local
area network) Port, and in a case of being connected to the Internet through the WAN
Port, a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function inside the access point
operates to allocate an IP (Internet Protocol) address to an electronic apparatus
connected to the LAN Port.
[0006] In each access point, the DHCP function operates to construct a sub net that is independent
from one another. Furthermore, an IP address is allocated to each electronic apparatus
connected to an access point, and thus communication cannot be made between electronic
apparatuses connected to different access points, thereby causing user inconvenience.
[0007] FIG. 1B is a view illustrating a case in which a plurality of access points form
a single network.
[0008] In this case, access point 1 is connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and
WAN Port to construct an independent sub net, but in access point 2, the Internet
is connected from a LAN Port of access point 1 to a LAN Port of access point 2, thereby
not constructing an independent sub net. Furthermore, an electronic apparatus connected
to access point 2 will be allocated with an IP address by access point 1, and thus
access point 2 may communicate with an electronic apparatus connected to access point
1. Such a connecting method is called a Bridge Mode wherein access point 1 operates
as a master and access point 2 operates as a slave.
[0009] However, in order to configure such a single network, the DHCP function inside access
point 2 must be stopped, and access point 2 must be connected to access point 1 using
the LAN Port of access point 2. Therefore, there occurs a problem that a user needs
special knowledge on manipulation and network construction.
[0010] Therefore, one or more exemplary embodiments provide, in a case in which a plurality
of access points construct an independent sub net, an access point capable of easily
forming a single network so that communication may be made between a plurality of
electronic apparatuses, and a control method thereof.
[0011] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an access point
including a communicator configured to communicate with a first electronic apparatus;
and a controller configured to, in response to determining that a first electronic
apparatus is preset and that the first electronic apparatus is connected to the communicator,
provide a connection request signal to the another access point requesting connection
between a second electronic apparatus, which is connected to the another access point,
and the first electronic apparatus, based on a type of an IP (Internet Protocol) address
allocated to the access point, and form a single network with the another access point
based on a response signal received in response to the connection request signal.
[0012] The controller may be configured to determine whether the type of the IP address
allocated to the access point is a first type, provided from an internet service provider,
or a second type, provided from the another access point, and in response to the IP
address allocated to the access point being determined as the second type, provide
the connection request signal to the another access point.
[0013] The controller may be configured to, in response to the response signal received
from the another access point being a connection approval signal, form a single network
with the another access point.
[0014] The controller may be configured to change a sub net formed by the access point to
a sub net formed by the another access point in order to form the single network.
[0015] The controller may be configured to change the IP address of the first electronic
apparatus to an IP address provided from the another access point to form the single
network.
[0016] The controller may be configured to stop an internal DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) server, and change an IP address allocated to the first electronic apparatus
to an IP address provided from the another access point, to form the single network.
[0017] The access point may further include a storage configured to store reference information
of IP addresses, and wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether
the IP address allocated to the access point is a first type or a second type based
on the reference information stored in the storage.
[0018] The IP address may be allocated by DHCP technology.
[0019] The controller may be configured to determine whether an electronic apparatus connected
to the communicator is the first electronic apparatus that is preset based on at least
one of a manufacturer, a product type, and a product name.
[0020] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for
controlling an access point, the method including: in response to determining that
a first electronic apparatus is preset and connected to a communicator, providing
a connection request signal to another access point for requesting connection between
a second electronic apparatus, which is connected to the another access point, and
the first electronic apparatus, based on a type of an IP (Internet Protocol) address
allocated to the access point; and forming a single network with the another access
point based on a response signal received in response to the connection request signal.
[0021] The providing the connection request signal for requesting connection to the another
access point may include determining whether the type of the IP address allocated
to the access point is a first type, provided from an internet service provider, or
a second type, provided from another access point, and in response to the IP address
allocated to the access point being determined as the second type, providing the connection
request signal to the another access point.
[0022] The forming a single network may include forming a single network with the another
access point in response to the response signal received from the another access point
being a connection approval signal.
[0023] The forming a single network may include changing a sub net formed by the access
point to a sub net formed by the another access point to form the single network.
[0024] The forming a single network may include changing the IP address of the first electronic
apparatus to an IP address provided from the another access point to form the single
network.
[0025] The forming a single network may include stopping an internal DHCP(Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) server, and changing an IP address allocated to the first electronic apparatus
to an IP address provided from the another access point, to form the single network.
[0026] The providing the connection request signal for requesting connection to the another
access point may include determining whether the IP address allocated to the access
point is a first type or a second type based on reference information of IP addresses.
[0027] The method may include determining whether an electronic apparatus connected to the
communicator is the first electronic apparatus that is preset based on at least one
of a manufacturer, a product type, and a product name.
[0028] According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for
controlling an access point, the method including determining whether an IP (Internet
Protocol) address allocated to the access point is a first type of IP address, provided
from an internet service provider, or a second type of IP address, provided from another
access point; and in response to determining that the IP address allocated to the
access point is the second type of IP address, providing a connection request to the
another access point requesting a connection between a first electronic apparatus
and a second electronic apparatus; and in response to receiving an approval response
of the connection request, stopping a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function
and facilitating the connection between the first electronic apparatus and the second
electronic apparatus.
[0029] The facilitating the connection between the first electronic apparatus and the second
electronic apparatus may include forming a single network between the access point
and the another access point.
[0030] The forming the single network may include changing a sub net formed by the access
point to a sub net formed by the another access point to form the single network.
[0031] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an access point as set
out in claim 1. Preferred features are set out in claims 2 to 9.
[0032] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method as set out in
claim 10. Preferred features are set out in claims 11 to 15.
[0033] According to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, it is possible to enable a
plurality of access points constructing an independent sub net to form a single network
more easily.
[0034] The above and/or other aspects will be more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1A and 1B are views illustrating methods for connecting a plurality of access
points;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of an access point
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a method for connecting access points according to an
exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a method of asking whether to interlock a first electronic
apparatus and a second electronic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of forming a single network of an access
point according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a single network of an access
point according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of forming a single network of an access
point according to another exemplary embodiment; and
FIG. 8 is a sequence view illustrating a process of forming a single network of an
access point according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0035] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0036] In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are used for like elements
throughout the drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as detailed
construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding
of exemplary embodiments. However, exemplary embodiments can be practiced without
those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions may
not be described in detail if they would obscure the application with unnecessary
detail.
[0037] FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of an access point
100 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the access point 100
includes a communicator 110 and controller 120.
[0039] The access point 100 is connected to a wireless apparatus or electronic apparatus
by wire or wirelessly to allow the wireless apparatus or electronic apparatus to be
connected to a network. Herein, the network may be the Internet.
[0040] Furthermore, the access point 100 may communicate with the wireless apparatus and
electronic apparatus wirelessly to transmit data provided from the network to the
wireless apparatus and electronic apparatus, and transmit data received from the wireless
apparatus and electronic apparatus to a destination in the network through a router
connected by wire.
[0041] The communicator 110 may communicate with an internet service provider, another access
point, or external electronic apparatus. Furthermore, the communicator 110 may be
divided into a WAN Port and LAN Port for wired connection, or the communicator 110
may be connected wirelessly. Explanation of the WAN Port and LAN Port will be made
in detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 3.
[0042] Meanwhile, the communicator 110 may be connected to a first electronic apparatus
wirelessly. The first electronic apparatus transmits a probe request signal to let
others know of its existence. In this case, the probe request signal may include information
about the first electronic apparatus.
[0043] When the communicator 110 receives the probe request signal transmitted by the first
electronic apparatus, the communicator 110 becomes aware that the first electronic
apparatus is nearby, and may obtain information about the first electronic apparatus
from the probe request signal.
[0044] Furthermore, the communicator 110 transmits a probe response signal to the first
electronic apparatus. In this case, the probe response signal may include SSID, MAC
address, and network setting information of the access point 100, etc. Operations
to be performed after the access point 100 is connected to the first electronic apparatus
will be explained hereinafter with regard to the controller 120.
[0045] When the first electronic apparatus is connected to the access point 100, the controller
120 determines whether the first electronic apparatus is a preset (predetermined)
electronic apparatus. Herein, the controller 120 may determine whether the electronic
apparatus connected to the communicator 110 is a preset first electronic apparatus
based on at least one of a manufacturer, product type and product name. If it is determined
that the electronic apparatus connected to the communicator 110 is not a preset first
electronic apparatus, the access point 100 may not perform any operation. In some
embodiments, the first electronic apparatus may be a preset electronic apparatus if
it corresponds to a preset (or predetermined) type of electronic apparatus. The type
of the electronic apparatus may relate to at least one of a manufacturer, product
type and product name.
[0046] If it is determined that the electronic apparatus connected to the communicator 110
is a preset first electronic apparatus, the controller 120 determines a type of an
IP address (Internet Protocol) allocated to the access point 100. More specifically,
the controller 120 determines whether the IP address allocated to the access point
100 is a first IP address provided from the internet service provider or a second
IP address provided from another access point.
[0047] If the IP address allocated to the access point 100 is the first IP address provided
from the internet service provider, then the IP address is a certified IP address,
which means that the Internet is connected from the internet service provider through
the WAN Port of the access point 100. On the other hand, if the IP address allocated
to the access point 100 is the second IP address provided from another access point
means that the IP address is a proprietary IP address, that is a proprietary IP address
allocated by a DHCP service inside the another access point, meaning that the Internet
is connected from the another access point through the WAN Port of the access point
100.
[0048] In the case in which the first IP address is allocated, since the access point 100
is directly connected from the internet service provider, there is no need for additional
control. On the other hand, in the case in which the second IP address is allocated,
there is another access point besides the access point 100, and thus it is necessary
to construct a single network for connection with the second electronic apparatus
connected to the another access point.
[0049] Therefore, in response to the IP address allocated to the access point 100 being
the second IP address, the controller 120 may transmit a signal to the another access
point for requesting connection between the second electronic apparatus connected
to the another access point and the first electronic apparatus. In response to receiving
a connection reject signal or receiving no response signal within a predetermined
time in response to the connection request signal, the controller 120 may not perform
any operation.
[0050] In response to receiving a connection approval signal in response to the connection
request signal, the controller 120 may change a sub net formed by the access point
100 to a sub net formed by the another access point and form a single network.
[0051] More specifically, the controller 120 may stop an internal DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) server, and change an IP address preallocated to an electronic apparatus
connected to the access point 100 to an IP address provided from the another access
point, and form a single network.
[0052] Meanwhile, after the single network is configured, the controller 120 may transmit
a connection approval signal to the first electronic apparatus connected to the access
point 100, and relay communication between the first electronic apparatus and second
electronic apparatus.
[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, disclosed in FIG. 2B, the access point
100 may include a communicator 110, controller 120, and storage 130. Explanation about
the communicator 110 and controller 120 is the same as above, and thus only the storage
130 will be explained hereinafter.
[0054] In the storage 130, information about the preset first electronic apparatus may be
stored. The storage 130 may be storing information based on at least one of the manufacturer,
product type and product name.
[0055] Furthermore, the storage 130 may be storing IP address reference information. The
IP address reference information may be information for differentiating whether the
IP address is a first IP address or a second IP address. More specifically, the IP
address reference information may be information for differentiating whether the IP
address is a certified IP address or proprietary IP address, and since a certified
IP address means all IP addresses except for proprietary IP addresses, and because
there are so many IP addresses, the storage 130 may include only the information about
specifically determined proprietary IP addresses. Accordingly, if an IP address is
not a proprietary IP address, that IP address may be determined as a certified IP
address, according to an exemplary embodiment. That is, the storage 130 may include
information about all certified IP addresses.
[0056] Proprietary IP addresses may be classified into classes such as A class, B class,
and C class, wherein, as an example, A class may allocate IP addresses within a range
of 10.0.0.0 ∼ 10.255.255.255, B class may allocate IP addresses within a range of
172.16.0.0 ∼ 172.31.255.255, and C class may allocate IP addresses within a range
of 192.168.0.0 ∼ 192.168.255.255.
[0057] Meanwhile, the controller 120 may determine whether the IP address allocated to the
access point 110 is a first IP address or second IP address based on the IP address
reference information stored in the storage.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a method for connecting an access point 100 according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0059] The access point 100 may be divided into a WAN Port and LAN Port. In response to
the access point 100 being connected to the internet service provider through the
WAN Port of the access point 100, the DHCP function inside the access point 100 may
operate, and may directly allocate the IP address to the first electronic apparatus
connected to the LAN Port.
[0060] Meanwhile, in response to the access point 100 being connected to the internet service
provider through the LAN Port of the access point 100, the DHCP function inside the
access point 100 may not operate, but allocate the IP address provided from the internet
service provider to the first electronic apparatus connected to the LAN Port of another
access point 100. Herein, in response to the access point 100 being connected to the
internet service provider, the internet service provider provides the IP address,
and in response to the access point 100 being connected to the WAN Port of another
access point, the another access point provides the IP address. However, in response
to the access point 100 being connected to the LAN Port of the another access point,
the DHCP function inside the another access point may not operate either, and thus
the IP address will be allocated from a provider that provides internet services to
the another access point or from another access point. Meanwhile, the aforementioned
IP address may be allocated by the DHCP technology.
[0061] According to FIG. 3, access point 1 (AP1) is connected through the WAN Port of access
point 1 from the internet service provider (ISP), and access point 2 (AP2) is connected
through the WAN Port of access point 2 from the LAN Port of access point 1, and each
constructs an independent sub net. Therefore, a TV 310 will be allocated with an IP
address by access point 1, and a wireless speaker 320 will be allocated with an IP
address by access point 2. Furthermore, the TV 310 and wireless speaker 320 each exist
on an independent sub net constructed by access point 1 and access point 2, and thus
cannot communicate with each other.
[0062] Meanwhile, access point 3 (AP3) is connected through the LAN Port of access point
3 from the LAN Port of access point 2, and thus access point 2 and access point 3
form a single network. Therefore, a mobile terminal 330 will be allocated with an
IP address from access point 2, and the portable terminal 330 will exist on the same
sub net as the wireless speaker 320, and thus the two apparatuses may communicate
with each other.
[0063] Meanwhile, each of access points 2 and 3 is allocated with an IP address from access
points 1 and 2, and is allocated with the second IP address provided from the another
access point, that is a proprietary IP address, but access point 1 is allocated with
an IP address from the internet service provider, the first IP address, that is a
certified IP address. Using this difference, each access point is able to determine
whether another higher access point is connected.
[0064] Furthermore, in response to determining that access point 2 is allocated with the
second IP address, the wireless speaker 320 is connected, and a signal for requesting
connection will be transmitted to the TV 310 connected to access point 1. The TV 310
that received the signal for requesting connection may provide a UI for the user to
decide whether to make a connection.
[0065] Furthermore, in response to the mobile terminal 330 being connected to access point
3, even when connected to access point 3, an IP address will be allocated by access
point 2, and access point 2 will determine the IP address allocated to it. Furthermore,
in response to determining that access point 2 is allocated with the second IP address,
the mobile terminal 330 will be connected, and a signal for requesting connection
will be transmitted to the TV 310 connected to access point 1. The TV 310 that received
the signal for requesting connection provides a UI for the user to decide whether
to make a connection. This will be explained in further detail with reference to FIG.
4.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a method for asking whether to interlock a first electronic
apparatus and second electronic apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the TV 310 that received
a signal for requesting connection may provide a message 410 asking the user whether
to make a connection. Herein, an apparatus name, e.g., ABC1, of the first electronic
apparatus may be, but without limitation, displayed on the TV 310 corresponding to
the second electronic apparatus. A name that the user had previously set or a name
of the apparatus that the manufacturer had set at the time of manufacturing the apparatus
may be displayed instead. On the bottom part of the message 410 asking whether to
make a connection, a menu may be provided such that the user may make a connection
command.
[0068] If the user wishes to connect to the first electronic apparatus, he/she may input
a connection approval command. However, if the first electronic apparatus is an electronic
apparatus that has nothing to do with the user, for example, if the message 410 is
one that asks whether to make a connection as a neighboring electronic apparatus is
connected, the user may input a connection reject command and stop the connection
between the first electronic apparatus and second electronic apparatus, in which case,
the access point 100 will not form a single network with the another access point.
[0069] If the user does not want to connect to the first electronic apparatus, he/she may
input a connection reject command, but if there is no input for a predetermined period
of time, it may be deemed to have been rejected.
[0070] Meanwhile, when the user inputs the connection approval command, a connection approval
message 420 may be displayed on the TV 310.
[0071] Herein, the apparatus name of the first electronic apparatus connected to the TV
310 may be, without limitation, displayed on the TV 310. A name of the apparatus set
by the user or the manufacturer may be displayed instead.
[0072] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a TV 310 is used, but the message 410 asking
whether to make a connection or a connection approval message 420 may be displayed
on another device, or even provided by voice sound.
[0073] Meanwhile, the user may set the menu not to display the message 410 asking whether
to make a connection. That is because if the message 410 asking whether to connect
to an electronic apparatus is displayed every time a predetermined electronic apparatus
is connected to the access point 100, the user may be interrupted.
[0074] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of forming a single network of an access
point according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0075] First, an event occurs in which a preset first electronic apparatus is connected
to a communicator (S510). If the first electronic apparatus is not a preset apparatus,
the process of forming a single network of the access point will not proceed.
[0076] Next, a signal for requesting connection between the first electronic apparatus and
the second electronic apparatus connected to another access point is transmitted to
the another access point based on an IP address type allocated to the access point
(S520). The process of determining the IP address type allocated to the access point
is made based on whether the IP address is a certified IP address or a proprietary
IP address. If the access point is a certified IP address, the signal for requesting
connection between the first electronic apparatus and the second electronic apparatus
connected to the another access point may not be transmitted to the another access
point, but may be transmitted to an apparatus connected to the access point besides
the first electronic apparatus.
[0077] Next, a single network is formed with the another access point based on a signal
in response to the signal for requesting connection (S530).
[0078] Furthermore, transmitting a signal for requesting connection to the another access
point (S520) involves determining whether the IP address allocated to the access point
is the first IP address provided from the internet service provider or the second
IP address provided from the another access point, and in response to the IP address
allocated to the access point being determined as the second IP address, a signal
for requesting connection may be transmitted to the another access point.
[0079] The forming a single network with the another access point (S530) may involve forming
a single network with the another access point in response to the response signal
received from the another access point being a connection approval signal in response
to the signal for requesting connection.
[0080] The forming a single network with the another access network (S530) may involve changing
a sub net formed by the access point to a sub net formed by the another access point
and forming a single network.
[0081] The forming a single network with the another access point (S530) may involve changing
an IP address preallocated to the electronic apparatus to an IP address provided from
the another access point and forming a single network.
[0082] The forming a single network with the another access point (S530) may involve stopping
the internal DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, and changing an IP
address preallocated to the electronic apparatus connected to the access point to
an IP address provided from the another access point, and forming a single network.
[0083] The transmitting a signal for requesting connection to the another access point (S520)
may involve determining whether the IP address allocated to the access point is the
first IP address or the second IP address based on the IP address reference information
stored in the storage, and in response to the IP address allocated to the access point
being determined as the second IP address, a signal for requesting connection may
be transmitted to the another access point.
[0084] The step in which the event of the preset first electronic apparatus being connected
to the communicator occurs (S510) involves determining whether the electronic apparatus
connected to the communicator is the preset first electronic apparatus based on at
least one of the manufacturer, product type, and product name.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific method for forming a single network
of an access point according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0086] First, the access point 100 stops its internal DHCP function (S610). Due to this,
no more new IP addresses will be directly allocated to the electronic apparatus connected
to the access point 100. Furthermore, an IP address preallocated to the electronic
apparatus connected to the access point 100 is changed to an IP address provided from
the another access point (S620). Herein, the preallocated IP address refers to the
IP address allocated to the electronic apparatus connected to the access point 100
directly by the access point 100.
[0087] Meanwhile, the access point 100 may request the another access point to provide a
new IP address, and reallocate the new IP address provided from the another access
point to the electronic apparatus connected to the access point to change the IP address
and form a single network.
[0088] However, the method of forming a single network of FIG. 6 is merely an exemplary
embodiment. The single network may be embodied in a method of newly mapping an IP
address in the process of going through the access point without having to change
the IP address of the electronic apparatus connected to the access point.
[0089] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of forming a single network of an
access point according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0090] First, a first electronic apparatus is connected to the access point 100 (S700).
Next, the access point 100 determines whether the first electronic apparatus is a
preset electronic apparatus (S710). If the first electronic apparatus is not connected
to the access point 100, or if it is determined that the first electronic apparatus
is not a preset electronic apparatus, the access point 100 will not perform any operation
and will not form a single network.
[0091] Meanwhile, in response to the first electronic apparatus being determined as a preset
electronic apparatus, it is determined whether the IP address allocated to the access
point 100 is the first IP address provided from the internet service provider or the
second IP address provided from the another access point (S720). The process of determining
the type of the IP address proceeds only when the first electronic apparatus is a
preset electronic apparatus, and thus, if the first electronic apparatus is not a
preset electronic apparatus, the type of IP address is not determined. Furthermore,
it is possible to determine the IP address type using the IP address reference information
stored in the storage 130. There may be information about proprietary IP addresses
stored in the IP address reference information.
[0092] If the IP address allocated to the access point 100 is determined as the second IP
address, it is determined that another access point is connected to the access point
and that the access point 100 constructs a sub net independent from the another access
point. Therefore, in order to connect to the second electronic apparatus connected
to the another access point, a connection request signal will be transmitted to the
second electronic apparatus connected to the another access point (S730).
[0093] Furthermore, in response to a connection approval being input by the user who have
been using the electronic apparatus, the access point 100 receives a connection approval
signal from the second electronic apparatus connected to the another access point
(S740). In response to receiving the connection approval signal, the access point
100 forms a single network with the another access point (S750), and transmits the
connection approval signal to the first electronic apparatus (S760).
[0094] Meanwhile, if the IP address allocated to the access point 100 is determined as the
first IP address, then another access point is not connected to the access point 100,
and it is determined that the access point 100 is directly connected to the internet
service provider. Therefore, when a connection request signal is transmitted to the
second electronic apparatus connected to the access point (S770), and the connection
request signal is received from the second electronic apparatus connected to the access
point (S780), a connection approval signal will be transmitted to the first electronic
apparatus (S790). In such a case, the access point 100 will not proceed to the process
of forming a single network.
[0095] FIG. 8 is a sequence for explaining a process of forming a single network of an access
point according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0096] First of all, an internet service provider, access point 100, another access point,
and second electronic apparatus are connected to the Internet (S801, S802, S803).
Furthermore, the first electronic apparatus is connected to the access point 100 (S804).
Herein, the first electronic apparatus may be distanced from the another access point
physically and thus may not be connectable.
[0097] Next, the access point 100 determines whether the first electronic apparatus is a
preset electronic apparatus. In response to the first electronic apparatus being determined
as a preset electronic apparatus (S805), it is determined whether the IP address allocated
to the access point 100 is a first IP address provided from the internet service provider
or a second IP address provided from the another access point. On the other hand,
in response to the first electronic apparatus being determined as not being the preset
electronic apparatus, the access point 100 may not perform any operation.
[0098] Meanwhile, in response to the IP address allocated to the access point 100 being
determined as the second IP address provided from the another access point (S806),
a signal for requesting connection between the first electronic apparatus and the
second electronic apparatus connected to the another access point is transmitted to
the another access point (S807), and the another access point transmits the received
signal to the second electronic apparatus (S808). On the other hand, if the IP address
allocated to the access point 100 is determined as the first IP address provided from
the internet service provider, then the access point 100 transmits the connection
request signal to the second electronic apparatus connected to the access point 100.
[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, it is displayed on the second electronic apparatus that
the connection request signal has been received. The user may also be notified by
voice sound or any other method. The user then determines whether to approve connection
based on which electronic apparatus the connection request signal requests the connection.
In some cases, it may be a connection request signal for an electronic apparatus of
a neighbor's apparatus rather than the user's electronic apparatus. Therefore, in
some cases, the user may reject connection.
[0100] When there is a connection approval by the user (S809), the second electronic apparatus
transmits a connection approval signal to the another access point (S810), and the
another access point transmits the received signal to the access point (S811).
[0101] The access point that received the connection approval signal first stops the internal
DHCP function in order to connect the first electronic apparatus and second electronic
apparatus (S812). Then, the access point requests the another access point for an
IP address to be allocated to the first electronic apparatus (S813), and receives
the IP address to be allocated to the first electronic apparatus from the another
access point (S814).
[0102] Then, the access point 100 allocates to the first electronic apparatus a new IP address
provided, changes the IP address of the first electronic apparatus, integrates each
sub net of the access point 100 and the another access point, forms a single network,
and transmits a connection approval signal to the first electronic apparatus (S815).
[0103] The first electronic apparatus and the second electronic apparatus are connected
to each other through the aforementioned process, and communication therebetween may
be made via the access point and the another access point (S816).
[0104] By using such an access point 100, even when the first electronic apparatus and second
electronic apparatus cannot be connected if each of the first electronic apparatus
and second electronic apparatus is connected to the access point 100 and another access
point, respectively, and the access point 100 and the another access point each constructs
a sub net independent from each other, the access point 100 may form a single network
with the another access point, thereby improving user convenience and satisfaction.
[0105] As discussed, embodiments of the invention can provide an access point comprising:
a communicator configured to communicate with an external electronic apparatus; and
a controller configured to, in response to a preset first electronic apparatus connecting
to the communicator, transmit a connection request signal for requesting connection
between a second electronic apparatus connected to another access point and the first
electronic apparatus to the another access point based on a type of an IP, Internet
Protocol, address allocated to the access point, and form a single network with the
another access point based on a response signal in response to the connection request
signal.
[0106] Meanwhile, the aforementioned control method of an access point according to an exemplary
embodiment may be embodied as a program code that may be executed in a computer and
may be stored in various types of non-transitory computer readable medium and provided
in each apparatus to be executed by a processor.
[0107] For example, there may be provided a non-transitory computer readable medium which
stores a program for performing an event in which the preset first electronic apparatus
is connected to the communicator, transmitting a signal for requesting connection
with the second electronic apparatus connected to another access point and a first
electronic apparatus to the another access point based on the type of IP address (Internet
Protocol) allocated to the access point, and forming a single network with the another
access point based on a signal in response to the connection request signal.
[0108] A non-transitory computer readable medium may refer to a computer readable medium
where data can be stored semi-permanently, and not only for a short period of time
such as a register, cache, or memory and the like. More specifically, various aforementioned
applications and programs may be stored in and be provided by a non-transitory computer
readable medium such as a CD, DVD, hard disc, blue-ray disc, USB, memory card, and
ROM etc.
[0109] Although one or more exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment
without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which
is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
1. An access point comprising:
a communicator configured to communicate with an external electronic apparatus; and
a controller configured to, in response to an event of a preset first electronic apparatus
being connected to the communicator occurring, transmit a connection request signal
for requesting connection between a second electronic apparatus connected to another
access point and the first electronic apparatus to the another access point based
on a type of an IP, Internet Protocol, address allocated to the access point, and
form a single network with the another access point based on a response signal in
response to the connection request signal.
2. The access point according to claim 1,
wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the IP address allocated
to the access point is a first IP address provided from an internet service provider
or a second IP address provided from the another access point, and in response to
the IP address allocated to the access point being determined as the second IP address,
to transmit the connection request signal to the another access point.
3. The access point according to claim 1 or claim 2,
wherein the controller is configured to, in response to the response signal received
from the another access point being a connection approval signal in response to the
connection request signal, form a single network with the another access point.
4. The access point according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the controller is configured to change a sub net formed by the access point
to a sub net formed by the another access point to form the single network.
5. The access point according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the controller is configured to change an IP address preallocated to an electronic
apparatus connected to the access point to an IP address provided from the another
access point to form the single network.
6. The access point according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the controller is configured to stop an internal DHCP, Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol, server, and change an IP address preallocated to an electronic apparatus
connected to the access point to an IP address provided from the another access point
to form the single network.
7. The access point according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
further comprising a storage configured to store IP address reference information,
wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the IP address allocated
to the access point is a first IP address or second IP address based on the IP address
reference information stored in the storage.
8. The access point according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the IP address is allocated by DHCP technology.
9. The access point according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the controller is configured to determine whether an electronic apparatus
connected to the communicator is the preset first electronic apparatus based on at
least one of a manufacturer, product type, and product name.
10. A method for controlling an access point, the method comprising:
in response to an event of a preset first electronic apparatus being connected to
a communicator occurring, transmitting a connection request signal for requesting
connection between a second electronic apparatus connected to another access point
and the first electronic apparatus to the another access point based on a type of
an IP, Internet Protocol, address allocated to the access point; and
forming a single network with the another access point based on a response signal
in response to the connection request signal.
11. The method according to claim 10,
wherein the transmitting the connection request signal for requesting connection to
the another access point involves determining whether the IP address allocated to
the access point is a first IP address provided from an internet service provider
or a second IP address provided from another access point, and in response to the
IP address allocated to the access point being determined as the second IP address,
transmitting the connection request signal to the another access point.
12. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11,
wherein the forming a single network involves forming a single network with the another
access point in response to the response signal received from the another access point
being a connection approval signal in response to the connection request signal.
13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
wherein the forming a single network involves changing a sub net formed by the access
point to a sub net formed by the another access point to form the single network.
14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
wherein the forming a single network involves changing an IP address preallocated
to an electronic apparatus connected to the access point to an IP address provided
from the another access point to form the single network.
15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
wherein the forming a single network involves stopping an internal DHCP, Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol, server, and changing an IP address preallocated to an electronic
apparatus connected to the access point to an IP address provided from the another
access point to form the single network.